It's finally starting to feel like spring in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and so naturally, we can't stop thinking about summer! We experience the entire range of the seasons here, and we embrace them full-heartedly, including the opportunity to cool down, which there are plenty of here! 

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fort Wayne, Indiana

An ever-popular cool off for the whole family is the splash pads opening this spring. It can be a quick hop-in-and-out endeavor, or you can fully commit and get your trunks on. Build a weekend of fun around enjoying Fort Wayne's many splash pads and parks with our top things to do for everyone!

Dancers at Fiesta Fort Wayne

Three Things to Do Around Fort Wayne's Parks and Splash Pads

1. Family Festival Itinerary

Who: Families
Park: Robert E. Meyers Park and Promenade Park
When: Summer Festivals

While you're enjoying Fort Wayne's many summer festivals in Headwaters Park, take a break from the fun for a dip through Robert E. Meyers Park at Parkview Field or the Promenade Park Kids' Canal and splash pad. Both splash pads are a great treat for families and can offer a little variety to your day.

There are plenty of treats at Fort Wayne's festivals, but if you're looking for a break from the sun and something more relaxing, take a seat at the Hoppy Gnome perfect for families whose kids can munch on fish tacos (tortillas with goldfish crackers in them) while you wait to order!

Please note, the Robert E. Meyers Park splash pad is open to the public Monday- Friday, 9 am - 5 pm (on days without scheduled events at Parkview Field, including TinCaps games).

2. Accessible Fun

Who: Everyone
Park: Promenade Park & Taylor's Dream Boundless Playground in Kreager Park
When: After Memorial Day Weekend

Everyone can enjoy some fun at parks like Promenade Park and Taylor's Dream Boundless Playground in Kreager Park.

Kids Canal at Promenade Park

Promenade Park is the new “front door” to Fort Wayne’s rivers. The park features new river access points, dining, a fully accessible park and playground, a Tree Canopy Trail, and more. Discover Promenade Park, and you’ll find an accessible experience for every interest and ability along Fort Wayne’s riverfront. 

Taylor's Dream is Indiana's first Boundless Playground, complete with a splash pad, surfaces made for easy wheelchair use, and structures for everyone to enjoy a little afternoon fun at the playground.

After playing all day at Kreager Park and exploring Fort Wayne's riverfront, food is the most logical next activity in our minds! Near Kreager Park, you can dine at local restaurants, including Casa Grille Italiano and Shigs in Pit.

Near Promenade Park, enjoy convenient restaurants, including 816 Pint & Slice, Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island, or any of the restaurants on The Landing. Of course, finding a restaurant for everyone is not easy, but there are plenty of downtown restaurants for everyone's tastes.

Three friends sitting at a restaurant table laughing together

3. Brewery and Park Tour

Who: Adults Only
Park: Foster Park, Promenade Park, and Lakeside Park and Rose Garden
When: Memorial Day to Labor Day

For the 21+ crowd, grab your bike and take a tour of Fort Wayne's great breweries, including Chapman's Brewing Company at Electric Works, Mad Anthony Brewing Company, and Hop River Brewing Company. Each brewery offers great snack plates but also the perfect spot to have a larger meal.

pink and purple tulips in bloom at foster park

Between your brewery stops, take a break at some beautiful Fort Wayne parks including Foster Park, Promenade Park, and Lakeside Park and Rose Garden. You can also enjoy some pre-planned trail itineraries that put it all together for you!

If you make your way to Lakeside Park, sip on your afternoon pick-me-up at Conjure Coffee.

This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: March 2025